This book could have been called The Bipolar Patient's Encyclopaedia Volume: 1. How the Moyer family coped with four generations of dysfunctional brains;
Volume 2. how conventional psychiatry relies on a DSM 'bible' to label and then medicate;
Volume 3. how a range of medical, genetic, dietary, environmental, infection and metabolic conditions can cause or contribute to bipolar symptoms.
A great aunt suicided before the family even knew she was depressed. The author's bipolar father lived through years of ups and downs and had the author on the edge of a precipice of dread. Author David Moyer became a mental health professional but faced a mid-life crisis when his son came down with bipolar symptoms. Training as a social worker wasn't enough to solve his son's problems. Conventional psychiatry wasn't good enough either. Although the usual bipolar medications quelled his son's religious zeal, he became less than normal due to negative effects. Schizophrenia medications stopped the visions but added more side effects.
An empathetic and concerned father, social worker David Moyer scanned the Internet for 'restorative' answers. Not expecting to find real help by networking, he happened upon the Synergy system of supplements, developed in Calgary, Alberta by another concerned father of several bipolar children. Euphamistically called True Hope. Was it too good to be true or did the vitamin, mineral and amino acid nutrients in the True Hope dietary supplements really quiet his son's unquiet brain? Charting his son's progress over a five year period, David Moyer noticed that medications and hospitalizations alternated with relatively 'normal' periods but his son seemed to do better when he took his nutrients and tapered the synthetic medications.
Pleased but wondering how mere nutrients could truly help, wanting an accurate differential diagnosis and the reassurance of proven effective treatments for Chris, the Moyer family embarked on a medical search. A series of health professionals told them that their son had biological and medical problems which are known to cause or contribute to symptoms of 'bipolar' disorder. Treatments seemed promising but the results were unclear. So many diagnoses: such a complicated case.
Bipolar sufferers, concerned families, frustrated caregivers and mental health professionals will find this book interesting, informative and thought-provoking. Readers of this well-researched book should be ready to learn and willing to stretch their minds toward restorative mental healthcare. Marvel at the complex family dynamics as four generations of Moyers coped with mental symptoms; consider the multiple puzzles involved in the spectrum of bipolar disorder symptoms; find true hope for restorative mentel healthcare as author David Moyer, LCSW goes beyond conventional psychiatry to explore leading edge biological and medical treatments while searching for the Holy Grail of bipolar recovery.
Maybe David Moyer doesn't have all the answers for his son Chris but he certainly asks a lot of stimulating questions, questions the status quo of minimalist mental healthcare and shares a wealth of interesting information. Well worth reading.
Review by Robert Sealey, BSc, CA
Product Description
This true medical detective story describes the author's four generation family odyssey that leads him to paths less traveled. He discusses multiple biological triggers and effective nutritional interventions for those suffering from bipolar disorder and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Exploring the role of infections, foods and additives in mental illness he challenges conventional wisdom, arguing for a closer look at a variety of contributing factors. Examples include Lyme disease, viruses, gluten, casein, MSG, and aspartame. He examines assumptions and practices in the justice and mental health systems that impact those with CNS disorders. Too Good to be True? describes some totally different ways - for patients, parents, teachers, therapists, police, prison guards, nurses, doctors and judges - to understand and respond to these crippling disorders.
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